The Electromagnetic Spectrum: X-rays, and Gamma rays

The end of the Electromagnetic spectrum is comprised of X-ray waves, and Gamma ray waves. These types of waves have a wide range of usage from imaging in medical instruments, to making superheroes like the Hulk.

X-ray waves have a wavelength range of 30 picometer to 3 nanometers and have a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than Ultraviolet waves , but a longer wavelength and lower frequency than Gamma waves. X-ray waves were first produced and detected by physicist, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, in Germany in 1895. This type of waves are best known for taken pictures of broken bones, but since they can also damage healthy cells in your body it is important to use lead shielding when around them. Less invasive X-ray waves have longer wavelengths than those that are emitted by bodies in the universe like stars.

Gamma ray waves have a wavelength of less than 1 picometer; they have a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than X-ray waves. Gamma rays were first discovered in 1900 by the French scientist Paul Villard. They are naturally occurring in nuclear explosions and can lead to many health deficits in the human body. Notably Gamma rays are also what gave the Hulk his superhuman powers, but the experiment done to make him the way he is should never be repeated since it will cause irreparable damage to a person.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum is important to understand, because it provides us with color, imaging tools, and a better understanding of our universe.

Picture Source: raybloc.co.uk